Murray's Preview on One Blue North.
Round EIGHTEEN
March 30, 2006
With Dalkeith/Nedlands already having won the promotional spot, all attention will now go to who is going to make up the other three places for the finals. The only teams with no mathematical chance are Nollamara & Sportsmen's (whom will be relegated) and Doubleview.
Whilst possible, the odds are also stacked against Bedford & Morrison Park qualifying. They would both need to win 8-0 and hope that Cambridge or Sorrento do not win on at least two rinks. Given that Morrison Park meet Dalkeith that looks unlikely whilst Bedford are an outside chance by hosting Sportsmen's.
Both teams must finish in front on points as they have vastly inferior percentages to Cambridge & Sorrento. For example, Morrison Park 69.5 points are -31 shots, Bedford 69.5 points + 19 shots, Cambridge 74.5 points + 76 shots & Sorrento 74.5 + 108.
GAME OF THE DAY
Sorrento (4th) vs Bassendean (3rd)
First Round Bassendean (5.5) 72 def Sorrento (2.5) 70
Only three points separate these two sides meaning a 6-2 Sorrento win will see them finish third or an 8-0 win and an Osborne Park loss would see them finish second. A loss and Sorrento may not make the four if Cambridge defeat Osborne Park. In other circumstances this scenario could be so much more interesting.
In the first round this game was a thriller eventually being decided on the 84th end.
I think Sorrento will win if the rink that plays Tom Norac can hold that game close.
Sorrento 6-2
Osborne Park (2nd) vs Cambridge (5th)
First Round Osborne Park (6) 82 def Cambridge (2) 75
Two key aspects to this game. Cambridge must win to make the finals and how intense
will Osborne Park be after missing the promotional opportunity last week by
one solitary shot.
I think Osborne Park will win at home but not by a lot.
Osborne
Park 6-2
Morrison Park (7th) vs Dalkeith (1st)
First Round Dalkeith (7.5) 86 def Morrison Park (0.5) 63
Morrison Park have plenty to play for. This is their last game in the red & white before they come under the umbrella of the Midland club. They will want to go out on a high whilst Dalkeith don't have as much to play for after already securing the promotion.
That having been said I think Dalkeith just have a little too much class and will win.
Dalkeith 6-2
Doubleview (8th) vs Nollamara (10th)
First Round Doubleview (8) 99 def Nollamara (0) 66
Not a lot to get enthused about here. Both sides are for all intents and purposes going through the motions in this one.
Doubleview to win 7-1
Bedford (6th) vs Sportsmen's (9th)
First Round Bedford (7) 80 def Sportsmen's (1) 74
Bedford will be looking to crush Sportsmen's and hope that both Sorrento and Cambridge also get thrashed. Whilst I think Bedford are capable of the former I do not think the latter will happen.
Good luck to Sportsmen's for next year and beyond.
Bedford 8/0
TIM MURRAY
